Chapter 4210: The Great Battle Is About to Erupt
Eternal Heavenly Kingdom was located in the highest Colorless Realm of Lihentian.
Colorless, formless. The Seventy-Two Layer Tower stood towering and majestic, possessing both the blazing brilliance of the former "Mirror of Fate" suspended in the void of the universe, and the eerie terror of the "Nether Purgatory," the sharp momentum of the "Sword Pavilion," and the dark, heavy depth of the "Nether Prison."
This was not a tower; it was a peerless divine artifact containing seventy-two worlds within.
It stood there like this, constantly influencing the changes of time and space in the universe, suppressing the rules of heaven and earth, forcing all cultivators who dared to oppose the God Realm to hide only in the shadows.
Beneath the tower.
The Eternal True Ruler acted personally, dissolving the soul-controlling rules that Zhang Ruochen had placed within the soul of the Ancestral Yaksha King.
"True Ruler, we are ashamed for failing to complete the mission. Please punish us!"
The Ancestral Yaksha King and Yongzhou bowed in salute, filled with awe for this ninety-sixth-level spiritual myth before them.
Following this, the other two of the Ten Thousand Generations Nine Ancestors, Yinshi and Tiangong, also lowered their proud heads to confess their guilt.
The Eternal True Ruler was as if within a cosmic vortex, the order field around him changing unpredictably, his voice low: "You all possess Ancestral bodies and have the realm of Half-Ancestors. In many eras, you could have been invincible across the entire universe. Logically, you should not have been defeated by these contemporary cultivators. However, now is not the time to assign blame. You must know shame and strive for courage, using action to atone for your mistakes."
"Please give the order, True Ruler! If we make any further mistakes, we will willingly self-detonate our Ancestral Divine Sources and perish with the enemy, not disgracing the dignity of the God Realm."
The Ancestral Yaksha King, Yongzhou, Yinshi, and Tiangong spoke in unison.
The Eternal True Ruler pondered for a moment, then said: "Yinshi will serve as the commander of the Divine Talisman Army. With the blessing of the World Tree, he will surely lead the troops to unleash Ancestral-level combat power. Let it be so. Yongzhou, Yaksha King, and Tiangong, all three of you will join the Stellar Knight Legion. Together with the Divine Talisman Army, you must capture the World Tree belonging to the Yama Clan."
Not far away, Furong Zhuzai's eyelids twitched slightly, but he did not directly raise any objections. The Divine Talisman Army was Furong Zhuzai's direct lineage.
The Stellar Knight Legion was the Eternal True Ruler's direct lineage. But the Eternal True Ruler was a ninety-sixth-level spiritual power, a step ahead. The gap in realm was significant, so there was no need to confront him head-on.
Yinshi said: "Are we attacking the Yama Clan's World Tree now?"
"What are you worried about? Afraid of Zhang Ruochen and the Heavenly Mother? Rest assured, I have already reached an agreement with them. For now, the Ancestors on both sides will not make a move." The Eternal True Ruler smiled kindly, with a benevolent expression.
Yongzhou's desire for revenge burned hotter than anyone else's. He said darkly: "As long as the Ancestors do not interfere, isn't the Yama Clan's World Tree easily within our grasp?"
Yinshi had a handsome face, with sickly pale skin, and spoke in a melodious tone: "Do not underestimate Yan Wushen and Zi Qinglong! True Ruler, what I fear is not defeat, but that in the Ancestral-level divine army battle, we will destroy the Yama Clan's World Tree and cause the entire Yama Clan to be annihilated."
"With such a vast amount of blood energy and soul sacrifices from the Yama Clan, if they turn to ashes, how are we to account to that supreme existence above?"
Yinshi's gem-like, crystalline pupils turned towards the Seventy-Two Layer Tower.
Furong Zhuzai naturally supported Yinshi, saying: "The True Ruler's arrangement is indeed somewhat inappropriate. If we want to take the World Tree, wouldn't the two trees that Zhang Ruochen just created be a better choice? These two World Trees have little sedimentation, lack extensive formations and cultivator protection, and can be defeated in one strike. This would be a perfect opportunity to severely strike down Zhang Ruochen's arrogant momentum."
Furong Zhuzai did not believe at all that the Eternal True Ruler's elaborate scheme to seize the World Tree was merely to allow the three divine armies to unleash Ancestral-level combat power.
He felt that the Eternal True Ruler was more likely trying to use the terrifying ability of the three World Trees to absorb the rules of heaven and earth and the energy of heaven and earth, in order to enhance his own combat power.
It must be known that the World Trees built by Ming Zu, Huangquan Dadi, and Ancestral Yama were like cosmic spiritual roots, rapidly absorbing the energy of heaven and earth and the rules of heaven and earth, causing the entire Yellow Spring Star River to transform from its former marginal position to its current state of power.
In Furong Zhuzai's understanding, when spiritual power reaches the level of the Eternal True Ruler, myriad Dao methods are already integrated. Compared to the legendary ninety-seventh level, it is probably only a matter of slower mobilization of the rules of heaven and earth and the energy of heaven and earth.
The current Eternal True Ruler could already quickly mobilize the rules of heaven and earth and the energy of heaven and earth, controlling half of the Yellow Spring Star River.
After merging the three World Trees, his combat power would rise to an unknown level.
Ambition.
Such great ambition.
The Eternal True Ruler seemed to see through Furong Zhuzai's suspicion, smiled slightly, and said: "Does the Ruler believe that my goal is merely the Yama Clan's World Tree?"
The cultivators present all showed expressions of surprise. They waited quietly for the Eternal True Ruler to reveal the real reason.
The Eternal True Ruler said: "Zhang Ruochen's wings have grown full, his divine power is inexhaustible. Now is definitely not the time to go to war with him. We must first eliminate those hidden in the shadows who wish to profit from the chaos, then consolidate our strength for the final battle with Zhang Ruochen."
Furong Zhuzai said: "Attacking the Yama Clan, are you planning to first take down Yan Wushen and Shiyan?" After Yan Wushen became the clan leader of the Yama Clan, many cultivators from the Shiyan faction had taken refuge in the Yama Heaven Beyond Heaven.
The Yama Clan was naturally labeled as the Shiyan faction.
Yinshi said: "Yan Wushen is indeed a huge threat. If he proves the Dao as an Ancestor, dealing with him will not be much easier than dealing with Zhang Ruochen. At least Zhang Ruochen has emotions, attachments, and bonds."
Yongzhou held a skeptical attitude: "Would Shiyan show up because of the crisis facing Yan Wushen and the Yama Clan?"
"I think it's more likely that the Hell Realm, the Heavenly Court Universe, and the Sword Realm will come to their aid," Tiangong said.
The Eternal True Ruler remained unmoved, his eyes half-closed, and asked: "Ruler, what do you think?"
Furong Zhuzai had been calculating with his spiritual power, and said: "Those who killed Zhang Ruochen back then were undoubtedly from the Shiyan faction. This has forged a deep hatred. Now, if we take the lead in targeting the Shiyan faction, the Hell Realm, the Heavenly Court Universe, and the Sword Realm might go along with the flow and let us eliminate this enemy."
"As long as Yan Wushen and Shiyan die, the remaining Dark Sovereign and White Jade Divine Emperor will naturally know that Zhang Ruochen has already reached an agreement with the God Realm. At that time, they might take the initiative to defect to us."
"This might indeed be a clever move!" The Eternal True Ruler said. "What else?"
"What else?" Furong Zhuzai pondered and said: "Could the True Ruler's goal be to seize the several cauldrons in Shiyan's hands? No, even if Yan Wushen dies in battle, Shiyan may not show up. Is the True Ruler interested in Yan Wushen's Six Paths Reincarnation Dao?"
The Eternal True Ruler shook his head, no longer playing riddles, and said: "Zhang Ruochen is a huge threat to us, an opponent that is almost impossible to deal with. But to that one, there might have long been a way to deal with him. After all, he is too young. We have watched him grow to his current height step by step. We have a clear view of all his trump cards and weaknesses."
"The true opponent of the God Realm has never been Zhang Ruochen. It is the Underworld Ancestor, who is likely not dead!"
"Zhang Ruochen has always been just the key piece and the sharpest blade used by the God Realm to deal with the Underworld Ancestor."
The few people present all changed color.
The God Realm's high-level understanding of the Underworld Ancestor far surpassed that of contemporary cultivators.
The pressure brought by the two words "Underworld Ancestor" was not something that the newly risen Zhang Ruochen could compare to.
The ninety-sixth-level Eternal True Ruler was naturally far inferior as well.
"This is impossible! Even if the Underworld Ancestor's cultivation is transcendent, it could not withstand the destructive power of an Ancestor self-detonating their Divine Source at close range. Besides, what suppressed Him back then was the Seventy-Two Layer Tower. He might be able to deceive us, but how could He possibly deceive that one?"
Furong Zhuzai was the first to hold a dissenting opinion, not accepting the Eternal True Ruler's speculation.
The Eternal True Ruler said: "The battle in the Earth Desolate Universe was undoubtedly the Underworld Ancestor's true body. Only a true body could be that powerful. However, I have seen the Underworld Ancestor's peak combat power. The Seventy-Two Layer Tower absolutely could not suppress Him."
Furong Zhuzai argued forcefully: "Since ancient times, the Underworld Ancestor has suffered multiple severe injuries and is no longer at his peak. In the battle of the Earth Desolate Universe, He also diverted power to attempt to initiate a Minor Calamity, putting His own combat power at its lowest ebb. Being suppressed by that one with the Seventy-Two Layer Tower is completely reasonable."
The Eternal True Ruler said: "It is precisely because it is too reasonable that it seems unreasonable. The Underworld Ancestor is such an existence. Did He not consider that that one might make a move at a critical moment?"
Furong Zhuzai said: "After the Minor Calamity of the Middle Ages, the Underworld Ancestor's injuries were far heavier than that one's, definitely damaging His foundation. After the Entropy Blaze, the opportunities left for Him to initiate a Minor Calamity were already few. He had to take a risk and gamble, otherwise, He would be waiting for death. Dizang Wang and the undead Zhang Ruochen were the biggest variables that ruined all His plans."
Immediately after, Furong Zhuzai added: "Think about it. If Dizang Wang and Zhang Ruochen had not been there back then, the Underworld Ancestor would have successfully initiated the Minor Calamity, healed His injuries, and returned to His peak state. That was what He wanted! Not your speculation that the whole thing was a fake death scheme. First, He had no need to do that, and second, it was impossible for Him to do it under that one's watchful eyes."
The few Half-Ancestors present were all in strong agreement.
The Underworld Ancestor was certainly terrifying, but in their view, that supreme being of the God Realm was even more omnipotent and all-powerful.
"Once the Minor Calamity of Life and Death is initiated, it is irreversible and will only grow stronger. It can be said that the battle in the Earth Desolate Universe back then was the most perilous moment for the God Realm, the ultimate manifestation of the Underworld Ancestor's years of patient scheming. To say that He deliberately failed, to say that what died was just a clone—I absolutely do not believe it," Tiangong said.
Yongzhou said: "Could the Underworld Ancestor have predicted in advance that Dizang Wang would break through to the Ancestor realm? That Zhang Ruochen had not died? That Zhang Ruochen would definitely go to Biluo Pass? The True Ruler's speculation simply does not hold water."
The Eternal True Ruler seemed to be convinced by them, nodding slightly: "I also believe that since that one made a move, the Underworld Ancestor must have died in the Earth Desolate Universe. There can be no mistake. But why does the Santu River still root itself like tree roots in various major worlds and planets of the universe? If I cannot understand the reason, I cannot rest or eat in peace."
This reason convinced Furong Zhuzai. He said: "This is indeed a matter worth paying attention to. I have long speculated that it is highly likely that Shiyan inherited some of the Underworld Ancestor's power and comprehended the supreme power contained in the Santu River. Don't forget Shiyan's origins. Hmph, he is no ordinary figure."
"Even with the True Ruler's spiritual power, you cannot find him within heaven and earth? Attacking Yan Wushen and the Yama Clan is, after all, only a inferior strategy."
The Eternal True Ruler smiled: "Actually, Shiyan has already leaked his whereabouts and has been locked onto by my spiritual power. To be precise, Shiji exposed his trail."
"After Zhang Ruochen returned, the strong of the Hell Realm all went to pay their respects. Shiji, who had once been on good terms with him, immediately went into hiding. Did you not notice this strange point?"
Furong Zhuzai narrowed his eyes, somewhat admiring the Eternal True Ruler's deep scheming! At that time, even he, an outsider, had completely focused his spiritual power and attention on Zhang Ruochen and the Heavenly Mother, these two Ancestors who had emerged from nowhere.
The Eternal True Ruler was clearly confronting Zhang Ruochen and the Heavenly Mother head-on, yet he could still notice the situation of Lady Shiji, who was far away on the Yama Clan's World Tree, lock onto her, and thus find the hidden Shiyan.
Was the difference in perception really this great with just one level of spiritual power difference?
Tiangong laughed: "It seems that Zhang Ruochen's death back then was so unclear, it must have been related to Shiji. Even the Romantic Emperor could not help but fall into the hands of this number one beauty of the ages."
"No wonder Chi Yao fought with Shiji in the Abyss of Darkness for many years, just for the Primordial Beings? Why else would it come to this? It seems Chi Yao had long learned the true cause of Zhang Ruochen's death from Bore," Yinshi speculated.
Furong Zhuzai said: "Since we have already locked on, why not act immediately?"
"I originally planned to keep them locked on secretly, using them to determine whether the Underworld Ancestor is still alive. But it seems Shiyan has sensed it! They are accelerating their escape."
"Forget it, let's act."
The Eternal True Ruler released his spiritual power, like a colorful divine flower blooming. The space became as loose as cotton clouds, with countless channels appearing.
Lady Shiji's Glass Divine Temple and Shiyan's ancient, dilapidated wooden boat appeared at the end of multiple space channels, flickering and jumping rapidly, trying to break free from the Eternal True Ruler's spiritual lock.
They had clearly sensed the danger and were scattering in two different directions to flee.
"When all your wings are clipped, and you still do not show yourself, then I will believe that you have truly fallen."
A flash of sharp light passed through the Eternal True Ruler's eyes.
Then, he transformed into a wisp of smoke-like flowing light, flew into one of the space channels, and chased after them across the vast starry sea.
Zhang Ruochen shared his Dao insights and cultivation experiences with all cultivators who had come to the Wu Hall and whose cultivation had reached the Heavenly Venerable level or above, imprinting them into their consciousness seas in the form of marks.
They only needed to close their eyes, and the mark in their minds would appear, like a brilliant sun hanging there.
Zhang Ruochen was not so selfish as to hoard the Dao for himself alone.
It was precisely this sincere attitude of being a "generous benefactor" that led to countless followers and cultivators who trusted him.
Of course, he did not hold too high expectations. The realm of "Ancestor" was not something that could be achieved through Ancestral marks, Dao insights, or cultivation experiences. He only hoped that they could make some progress in their cultivation before the decisive battle, gaining an extra ability to protect themselves.
"Blood Butcher, losing the Divine Martial Mark may not necessarily be a bad thing. Currently, your cultivation will indeed slow down, your divine energy and rules will not circulate smoothly, and your combat power will indeed drop by a notch. But what is such a challenge to an Indestructible Infinite?" Zhang Ruochen said.
Blood Butcher was extremely excited, clasping his fists and saying: "Hearing Senior Brother's words is more valuable than tens of thousands of years of cultivation. I have understood. I will definitely overcome the difficulties and find a way out of the predicament on my own, no longer relying on the Divine Martial Mark."
Zhang Ruochen nodded: "I was originally planning to grant you a Taiji mark to replace the Divine Martial Mark. Since you have such lofty ambitions, it is truly commendable and gratifying. It makes me look at you in a new light."
Blood Butcher was stunned, then said: "Senior Brother... actually, I am not that eager to work hard... Although I am confident that I can forge a path that does not rely on the Divine Martial Mark, the great battle is imminent, and the universe is approaching its end. I am afraid there is not that much time for me to study and comprehend in detail."
Void Heaven, with his hands behind his back, strolled over like he was taking a walk: "Cultivating Taiji to the Ancestor level definitely encompasses all the great Dao in heaven and earth. Since Imperial Dust can grant marks, why not eliminate the hidden dangers for everyone together? Carrying the Divine Martial Mark on one's body always feels like one could be secretly killed by the God Realm at any time."
Nutian Shenzun echoed: "Void Fengjin is right! Having the Divine Martial Mark taken away by the Heaven and Earth Altar is a minor matter. I have received messages that many gods of lower realms have had their Divine Sources taken away as well. There are also some Saint realm cultivators who were directly ignited by their own Divine Martial Marks and turned to ashes."
Zhang Ruochen said: "If I grant the Taiji marks, are you all not afraid that life and death will be in my hands? What difference is there from being controlled by the God Realm?"
"Ruochen, you are being too sentimental!" This voice startled many cultivators.
Given Imperial Dust's current cultivation level, who would dare speak to him like this? Seeing that it was the Blood Absolute Clan Leader, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
The Blood Absolute Clan Leader continued loudly: "If everyone cannot trust you, who can they trust? If you want us to do something, why use such means to control us? One word is enough!"
"As long as Senior Brother speaks, I can die for Senior Brother," Blood Butcher said resolutely.
Among the gods, Xiao Hei looked at Blood Butcher with contempt and whispered: "Shameful! An Indestructible Infinite, the Lord of the Xionghai Divine Palace, licking boots without any limits."
Blood Butcher glared at him.
If Zhang Ruochen were not there to keep order, the two would definitely start fighting again.
Zhang Ruochen said: "Replacing the Divine Martial Mark with the Taiji mark requires a considerable period of comprehension and adjustment. I will grant the marks in batches to avoid a collective decline in everyone's combat power."
Immediately, Zhang Ruochen withdrew the Divine Martial Marks of one-third of the gods present and granted them Taiji marks.
"Grandfather, your Five Seas Divine Dao is a perfected second-rank Divine Dao. Your future achievements are limitless. You only lack the Darkness Esoterica to reach perfection, right?"
Zhang Ruochen spoke privately with the Blood Absolute Clan Leader.
The Blood Absolute Clan Leader laughed heartily: "I am not bragging. In the world today, aside from your Wuji Divine Dao and Yan Wushen's Six Paths Reincarnation, I truly have not taken anyone else's Divine Dao seriously."
"Feng Tian's Annihilation Method One, Desolate Heaven's Great Yan Qiankun, and Void Heaven's Sword Eternity are also very profound," Zhang Ruochen said.
The Blood Absolute Clan Leader waved his hand: "Feng Caiyi is merely standing on the shoulders of the Demon Ancestor and Ming Zu to cultivate Annihilation Method One to this level. It is not a real skill. Void Heaven's Sword Dao has probably reached its limit at Sword Eternity. As for Desolate Heaven's Great Yan Qiankun... let alone the fact that he is already dead, even if he were not, in my eyes, he is nothing but a clay chicken or a pottery dog, a mere posing for sale, not worth mentioning."
Zhang Ruochen said: "It seems Grandfather is full of confidence. Even without more than fifty percent of the Darkness Esoterica, you are confident in breaking through to the Half-Ancestor realm with the Five Seas Divine Dao."
"Of course..."
The Blood Absolute Clan Leader's eyes lit up as he looked at Zhang Ruochen: "Does Ruochen mean to seize the Darkness Esoterica? Have you sensed the hiding place of Jiusi Yitianhuang? In fact, gathering more than fifty percent of the Darkness Esoterica would definitely be faster for attacking the Half-Ancestor realm. Moreover, upon reaching the Half-Ancestor realm, combat power might be able to directly pursue the peak of the Half-Ancestor realm."
"Fifty percent of the Thunder Dao Esoterica, fifty percent of the Blood Sea Heavenly Dao Esoterica, fifty percent of the Death Esoterica, fifty percent of the Fire Dao Esoterica, and fifty percent of the Darkness Esoterica. The fusion of these five types of Esoterica would make me a sovereign."
"At that time, Grandfather will be the Five Seas Sovereign! Void Fengjin, Kong Fannu, and the like are nothing but commoners."
The Blood Absolute Clan Leader was always fond of trash-talking when the situation was favorable, seeing everyone as commoners. Zhang Ruochen did not think he was truly inflated.
"Since Grandfather wants it, I will naturally find a way to obtain it."
Zhang Ruochen had not sensed the hiding place of Jiusi Yitianhuang, but rather detected the movements of the God Realm's two Ancestors and discovered the fluctuations of Shiyan and Lady Shiji as they fled.
"Taking the Shiyan faction as the first target is Yan Tingqiu's style."
Zhang Ruochen immediately instructed Feng Tian and Nutian Shenzun to form the Fate Twelve-Phase Divine Formation and rush to the Yama Heaven Beyond Heaven.
He also dispatched Void Heaven to sneak towards the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom from the Void World.
Before this, the Heavenly Mother had already gone to the Jade Desolate Realm, while Panyuan Ancient God had returned to the Heavenly Court Universe first.
Chi Yao watched the large number of Hell Realm gods disappear and came to Zhang Ruochen's right side: "It seems Feng Caiyi was right. In terms of perception and deduction, I am indeed far inferior to an Ancestor. I will suffer a great loss in deploying troops and formations. Chen Ge, what exactly happened?"
Zhang Ruochen smiled gently: "Empress Chi Yao also has moments of self-deprecation?"
"Empress Chi Yao is nothing more than a woman," Chi Yao said.
Zhang Ruochen's expression turned serious: "The God Realm is about to make a move against the Shiyan faction... to be precise, against the Underworld Ancestor faction."
"So fast?" Chi Yao was slightly surprised.
Zhang Ruochen nodded: "The Eternal True Ruler and that Immortal of the God Realm will not leave me much time to prepare. Their actions will only be faster from now on. We must be prepared for disaster to befall us at any time."
Chi Yao's beautiful eyes converged their light, turning deep and wise: "Feng Caiyi and the others formed the Fate Twelve-Phase Divine Formation and went to the Yama Heaven Beyond Heaven?"
"To deal with the Underworld Ancestor faction, Yan Wushen is definitely a tough nut to crack."
Zhang Ruochen revealed a smile again, then added: "This guy has been enduring for many years. No one knows what realm he has actually reached. I would not be surprised if he has Ancestral-level combat power. It is a good opportunity to use the God Realm's hand to see the results of his cultivation over the years. So this is what it feels like to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. No wonder everyone likes to hide. It is quite interesting. Give me the Four Directions Universe Seal!"
Chi Yao took out the Four Directions Universe Seal and said: "Are you going to the Ancient Divine Nest? To retrieve the Universe Cauldron?"
Back then, Zhang Ruochen had lent the Universe Cauldron to Ling Yanzi, using the cauldron to contain the Ancient Divine Nest, hiding it within space.
Only the Four Directions Universe Seal could find the Universe Cauldron.
Because the Four Directions Universe Seal was forged from a corner of the Universe Cauldron.